Box fabricating mandrel



MalCh 18, 1958 P. wAsYLUKA ETAL 2,826,969

Box FABRICATI'NG MANDREL 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 6. 1956 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII March 18, 1958 P. WASYLUKA ET Al. 12,826,969

BOX FABRICATING MANDREL Filed Feb. 6, 195s 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 s. 1 fw f 5TM 1y# W *ww MWWW uw.. fu.

March 18, 1958 4 P. wAsYLUKA ETAL 2,826,969

BOX FABRICATING MANDREL Filed Feb. e, 195s 3 sheets-sheet s FIG.7.

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United States Patent O BOX FABRICATING MANDREL Paul Wasylukn, St. Louis, and Edward A. Haeussier, vOlivette, Mo., assignors to Crown Zellerbach Corporation, San Francisco, Calif., a corporation of Nevada Application February 6, 1956, Serial No. 563,715

9 Claims. (Cl. 93-59) The invention appertains to a mandrel to facilitatethe fabrication and erection of boxes and containers made of solid fiberboard, corrugated fiberboard and other similar materials. The mandrel may be made of any suitable material, for example, such as wood, light-weight metal, plastic or the like.

The invention herein is an improvement of the inven- -tion in the co-pending application Serial No. 545,361, filed November 7, 1955, entitled Box Fabricating Mandrel.

Various methods are employed to erect iberboard boxes and containers. A common method is to manually erect the container blank and manually maintain the container parts in position as they are stitched,glued or otherwise secured into position. With more complex boxes and containers, it is more difficult to manually position and maintain container parts for fabrication. A particular type of container which'is in common use for the shipment of bottled beverages and the like embodies split, half cover'inembers having longitudinal, inwardly disposed anges or projections located on Vthe inner edges of half cover members. In some embodiments of the multiple trip beverage containers, end cover flanges are also provided. An example of the class of containers referred tois illustrated in the disclosure of Patent No. 2,603,406, issued on July 5, 1952, to Walter C. George. In the various embodiments of the class of containers referred to, various configurations vof inwardly disposed cover projections are employed.

It is readily apparent that it is not without some difficulty that the inwardly disposed container 'cover projections and flanges are maintained in proper position as they are glued or sealed together. It is, therefore, an objectof this invention to provide a mandrel device yadapted to receive and maintain inwardly projecting cover portions in proper relation as the portions are lixedly secured in position. f

Another object of this invention is to provide a mandrel adapted to receive inwardly projecting container parts and maintain the container parts in proper position against the outward forces necessary to secure the container parts in place.

A further object of the invention is to provide a maudrel of the type described which may be easily manually or mechanically inserted into a partially erected box blank.

Still another object is to provide a mandrel of the type described having a formed opening therein adapted to receive and maintain inwardly projecting container l l the end Walls 13 of the container.

2,826,969 Patented Mar. 1.8, 8

ICC

ing of the container covers in actual use. It is, therefore, a further object of this invention to provide a mandrel having a central longitudinal anvil plate disposed intermediate adjacent central longitudinal cover flange parts of the container during the erection and fabrication of the container. In the erecting and fabricating operation, and as set forth in the hereinbefore identified co-pending application, the cover flange members are ordinarily held in contacting, compressed relation as the adhesive hardens. Since, as described in the `co-pending application, the adjacent depending container cover flanges are compressed against each other during the fabricating operation, there is a possibility that certain portions of the flange parts may not be eifectively sealed Atogether due to the inherent variations in the thickness of the container material and other manufacturing and fabricating irregularities which ordinarily occur. It is, therefore, a still further object of this invention to provide, in a mandrel of the type described, a central anvil-like member which provides a continuous backing member of pre-determined dimensions against Which the flanges of the container are forced to provide an effective accurate assembly and fabrication.

The invention also consists in' the parts, arrangementsl and combinationsk of parts hereinafter described and claimed. The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and like numerals and symbols therein appearing refer to like parts wherever they occur.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a mandrel embodying this invention being inserted into a partially erected container;

Fig. 2 is a top view of a mandrel embodying this invention shown inserted into a partially erected container blank; k l

Fig. 3 is a vertical, sectional View along lines 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical, sectional view similar t-o Fig.4 3, illustrating the process of inserting the inwardly projecting cover parts into the mandrel device;

Fig. 5 is a vertical, sectional view showing the container parts inserted into the mandrel member;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal, sectional view taken along lines 6--6 of Fig. 5;.

Fig. 7 is a horizontal, sectional view similar to Fig. 6, illustrating side pressure means being applied to the container and mandrel;

Fig. 8 is a vertical, sectional view taken along lines 8 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a vertical, sectional view illustrating top pressure means being applied to the container and mandrel therein; and

Fig. lOvis a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view of a modified mandrel embodying this invention.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated is particularly adapted to provide a mandrel device for erecting a multiple trip beverage container A, such as shown in the accompanying drawings. The container A, Fig. 3, is provided with side walls 11 having integrally connected half bottom flaps 12. End walls 13, Fig. l, are provided with end bottom aps 14. In the particular embodiment of the container A illustrated, a re-closable closure means is employed consisting of half cover flaps 15 provided with central longitudinal cover flanges 16, .as shown in Fig. 2 along their free marginal edges and with side cover anges 17 along their end margins. Each longitudinal cover flange 16 is provided with a substantially co-extensive, longitudinal cover flap 18 foldably connected there- Similarly, each side cover flange 17 is provided withan end extension forming a side cover flap 19. The container A, shown in the accompanying drawings, is provided with vertical notches 20 in the upper margins of The purpose of the notches 20 will be explained later in the specification.

A mandrel B employing a preferred form of the invention is composed essentially of two longitudinal halves 21 connected to a resilient bottom plate 22.` Each mandrol` half 21, in the particular embodiment described, is formed of outer` side post 23 and inner side post 24 rigidly `connected, along bottom reinforcing members 2,5 and 26 to the bottom plate 22. The outer bottoml side posts 23 and the inner side posts 24 are connected to outer top members 27 and inner top members 28 are connected to top `transverse posts 29. Similar, but slightly shorter, `transverse posts 30 may be added, as shown by the broken lines in Fig. 3, to complete the trapezoidal conguration of the sections of the longitudinal mandrel halves 21.` In the particular embodiment of the mandrel illustrated, a series of five rectangular cross-sections are provided to reinforce the mandrel halves 21, however, it is apparentthatV the conguration and the structure of the longitudinal mandrel halves` may be varied depending uponthestrength required. For example, the outer side posts ,23 may be reinforced by a continuous stiff outer panel, if `more strength is required.

, The longitudinalmandrel halves 21 are preferably each substantially less than one-half oft-he interior width of the container A to thereby provide a void 31 extending centrally `and longitudinally .of the mandrel. End pressure plates32, having relatively narrow resilient pads 33,`

are iixedto the inner top members 28 adjacent the end margins thereof as. shown in Fig. 2. Center pressure plates `34, having relatively `wide resilient pads 35, are positioned centrally of the inner top members 28. The purpose and function ofthe plates 32 and 34 and the resilient pads 33 `and'35 will become apparent later in the specification.

AA pair` of resilient bottom pads 36, as shown in Figs. 1 and, may `be fixedly secured to the underface of the bottom plate 22. The bottom pad 26 may be formed of sponge rubber, felt or other suitable resilient material. In order to` lock thetmandrel halves in position for sealing the container parts, an internal locking means vis provided. The locking means of the particular embodiment illustrated comprises hingedly` disposing alocking plate 37 `about a pin member 38 which is, in turn, tixedly secured between adjacent outer sidev posts n23, as shown in Fig. 3. The locking plate 37 is provided with an upstanding release pin 39 iixedly secured `thereto and extending, in the secured position of the locking device, substantially., above the level of the longitudinal mandrel halves 21,` as best shown in Fig.. 8. The locking plate 37 is provided with an upwardly projecting catch or barb portion 40 having a generally vertical edge 41 adapted to engage upon a downwardly disposed locking exten- Sion 2,4which depends from adjacent portions of the inner topl member 28 and yis tixedly secured between `adjacent inner side posts 24. A substantially vertically aligned spring member 43 is connected between a top pin 44, disposed between Lkadjacent top transverse posts `29'ancl a locking projection45 `fixed to the upper face of the` locking plate 37. In the particular embodiment of theinvention` described, a pair of locking devices is provided, `each `positioned adjacent `the ends of the mandrel halves.

i A center anvil 46 is positioned within the void 31 in the mannerV illustrated `in Figs. 2 land 3. The center anvil 46 is substantially co-extensive in length with the mandrel halves 21 and is provided at its lower end margins `with a ltixedly secured bushing member 47 with an opening 48 `extending therethrough in substantially normal relation with respect to the center anvil member, as shown in Fig. l0. The bushing members 47 are preferably connected to the end margins of the center anvil 46 so `that `when the anvil is `placed in thevoid 31,` the openings 48 will be positioned in substantial alignment withthe adjacent end inner side posts 24. The center anvil 46 is .slidably mounted on transverse bolts 49 which extend :through bolt receiving openings 50, not shown,

'4` through the inner side posts 24. The bolts 49 are. loosely secured between the adjacent inner side posts 24 by means of a threaded nut 51 and enlarged head 52. The center anvil 46 is free to slide axially of the bolt mcmbers 46 and helical spring parts 53 are inserted between the bushing member and adjacent portions of the inner side posts 24. The spring parts 53 are preferably of similar size Aand resiliency so that the center anvil 46 is maintained in substantially the longitudinal center of the void 31, equi-distant between adjacent, opposing pressure plates 32 and 34. In effect, the center anvil is disposed in floating relation with respect to the remainder of the mandrel parts.

In the particular embodiment of the center anvil 46 described, the main anvil portion is formed of lightweight metal and is approximately 1% inches high and 1/4 inch thick. This particular size has been found to be satisfactory to space the adjacent container parts suiciently during the erection and assembly operation to maintain a satisfactory clearance to permit the container covers to` be easily closed. Also,` in the embodiment described, it has been found to position the bushing member 47 downwardly below the level of the pressure plates 32 and 34 so as to provide Vsufficient clearance to permit the insertion of the container cover parts without interference.

Operation of the device In using the device described, the Vside walls ,11 and the end walls 13 `of the container A are erected into tubular relation and the end bottom flaps 13 are folded inwardly` into horizontal rel-ation. The half bottoni flaps 12 are folded inwardly and tixedly secured to the previously positioned end bottoni flaps 14. The mandrel is then inserted into the' partially erected container body, as shown in Fig. l. An adhesive 54 is applied to the underface of the longitudinal cover flanges 16, the longitudinal cover tlaps 18 and the side cover aps 19 as shown in Fig. 2. lThe side cover flanges 17 are then folded upwardly into substantially right angular relation to adja cent portions of the half cover flaps 15. The side cover flaps 1,9 are then folded inwardly into right angular re.- lation to adjacent portions of the half cover flaps 15. The side cover flaps 19 are then folded inwardly into right angular relation to `their adjacent side cover flanges ,1,7. The longitudinal cover anges .16 are then folded inwardly into substantially right angular relation to the adjacent portions of the half cover ap 15. In this position, the longitudinal cover flaps 1 8 are folded in wardly through an angle of substantially 18.0 to thereby sandwich the side cover ap 19 between the longitudinal cover flange 16 and the longitudinal cover flap 18 as shownin Fig. 4. lEach pre-assembled, depending half cover projection is then inserted into the void 31 into relatively narrow half spaces 55. The half space portions 55 lie between the center anvil 46 and adjacent pressure plates 32 and 34. It is desirable that the horizontal width of the half spaces 35 is substantially equal to the combined thickness of the container parts which are inserted therebetween. Of course, since there are three plies of material, the side cover tlap 19,` the cover flap 18 and the longitudinal cover flanges 16 are disposedbetween the end pressure plates `32 and the center anvil 46 adjacent the ends thereof. The end portions of the half spaces 55 will be substantially wider to accommodatetthe greater number of plies of material. As previously discussed,` the variation in the thickness of the end pressure plates 32, as compared with the center pressure plates 34, provides for the variation in the `horizontal width of the half space portions `55.

'Ihe container A and the mandrel B ltherein are then subjected to substantial, external transverse forces applied by means ,of a ram device 56, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, or other force applying means. The external, transverse forces ca use the side walls 11 of the container A to deect inwardly, thus forcing the mandrel halves assenso 21 inwardly as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. `As the mandrel halves 21 are forced inwardly toward each other, the locking extensions 4S will engage the locking extension 42, as shown in Fig. 8, thereby maintaining the mandrel halves 21 and the end pressure plates 32 and the center pressure plates 34 into tight, fixed relation against the inwardly projecting container cover parts. In this manner, the inwardly projecting container cover parts are held tightly together until the adhesive or other securing means has had an opportunity to set. In the particular embodiment of ythe invention described, the external locking means, placed adjacent each end of the mandrel B', maintains internal pressure against the inwardly projecting mandrel part-s after the external forces are removed. In other words, the container and mandrel may be moved from between the ram device 56 to permit the adhesive or other sealing means ample time to set.

The internal locking device of the mandrel may be released by applying external, vertically downward forces against the outer faces of the half cover iiaps 15, as shown in Fig. 9. The external forces may be applied by means of a roller device 57 placed above the conveyor along which the container and mandrel are transported. The vertically downward external force applied by the roller device 57 acts to deliect the half cover members 15 inwardly to engage the upwardly projecting release pin 39, thereby forcing the locking plate 37 downwardly to disengage the locking extension 42 and the cat-ch portion 40. When, as described in the present embodiment, two locking means are employed, it is preferable two roller or other pressure applying devices 56 spaced to simultaneously place the release pins 39 to facilitate the easy release of the locking means.

When the internal locking devices are disengaged, the mandrel halves 21, mounted on the resilient bottom plate 22, are free to spring outwardly into substantially vertical relation. The completely glued and sealed container cover members may then be opened and removed from the mandrel. The mandrel may then be removed and re-used in the fabrication of subsequent containers.

The embodiment of the invention is suitable of many and varied modifications which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example,'the thickness of the resilient pads 33 and 35 may be varied to accommodate modified forms of the container erected on the mandrel device. It is important that the thickness of the resilient pads 33 and 35 be such as to permit proper placement of the pressure plates 32 and 34 with respect to adjacent portions of the inwardly projecting container cover parts. As will be observed from an examination of Fig. 5, the pressure plates 32 and 34 are positioned closely adjacent the exposed faces of the longitudinal cover flaps 18 before the transverse forces are applied to the container and mandrel. The position of the locking extension 42 with respect to the location of the locking projection 45 is designed so as to permit the pressure plates to tightly compress the inwardly projecting container parts against the center anvil member 46 during the setting period of the adhesive. The exact position and dimension of the pressure plates 32 and 34, and .the amount of inward defiection of the longitudinal container halves required to engage the locking device depends upon the number and thickness or caliper of the inwardly projecting cover materials. The thickness dimension of the center anvil 46 depends upon the clearance desired between adjacent, central, longitudinal cover parts. For example, when highly compressible container material is employed, it is desirable lto provide Vconsiderable pressure and deection of the longitudinal mandrel halves inwardly through a substantial distance. It has been found, however, that for heavy solid tibreboard materialsuch as that used for multi-ple trip beverage containers well-known in the trade, a total inward deflection of approximately one inch is satisfactory. The fundamental criterion of the function of the internal locking means of the invention is to maintain the mandrel halves inwardly so that the space between the end and center plates 32 and 34 and adjacent parts of the center anvil portion 46 will be slightly less than the combined thickness of the inwardly projecting container parts inserted therebetween. Of course, -the distance between the end and center plates 32 and 34 and adjacent parts of the center anvil when the mandrel halves are in the unlocked position will be slightly greater than the combined thickness of the inwardly projecting container parts which are to be inserted therebetween. This space relationship permits the container parts to be readily inserted into the half spaces 55 on either side of the center anvil piece 46.

The resilient pads 33 and 35 not only provide an even pressure against all portions of the inwardly projecting parts, but act to resiliently maintain the pressure plates 32 and 34 in position against the container cover parts in spite of inherent variations in caliper and in material which are encountered in commercial breboard products.

It is to be understood that the embodiments herein described are illustrative and not restrictive, and it is also to be understood that the invention may be susceptible of embodiment in other modified forms, and that all such modifications which are similar or equivalent hereto come equally Iwithin the scope of the claims next appearing.

What is claimed is:

l. A fabricating mandrel for a box having inwardly projecting parts, the mandrel comprising a body portion generally conforming to the interior of the box, the mandrel body portion being formed with a void therein to receive the inwardly projecting box parts, an anvil member disposed within the mandrel void, the mandrel body portion defining said void being deflectable toward said anvil member to firmly Contact and engage the box parts.

2. The invention set forth and claimed in claim l whereinthe anvil member is resiliently connected to the mandrel body portion.

3. A fabricating mandrel for a box having inwardly projecting, adhesively coated, closure flange parts, the mandrel comprising a body portion generally conforming to the interior of the box, the mandrel portion being provided to form a void therein to receive the closure anges, an anvil member resiliently disposed within the mandrel void, the mandrel body portion dening said void firmly contacting and engaging said box parts, means carried by the mandrel for exerting continuous force to adhesively fix the inwardly projecting closure fianges in position.

4. A mandrel for a box having a bottom, opposing sides and ends with cover members with inwardly projecting parts, the mandrelfcomprising a body portion composed of parts spaced to provide a void therein to receive the inwardly connecting box parts, an anvil member resiliently disposed within the mandrel void and positioned in adjacent, contacting relation to the inwardly projecting box parts, the adjacent mandrel body parts being deflectable toward said anvil to firmly engage and support the inward projecting box parts. 1

5. A mandrel for boxes having half cover members, having longitudinal cover reinforcing flanges extending into the interior of the box, the mandrel comprising a body portion generally conforming to the interior of the box and divided into two substantially equal parts longitudinally spaced to define a void conforming to the longitudinal cover reinforcing flanges, an anvil member resiliently connected to the mandrel half parts and centrally, longitudinally disposed within the mandrel void, the margins of the mandrel half parts defining the void being adapted to be defiectable inwardly toward said anvil member to firmly contact and immovably support the cover reinforcing fianges against the anvil member.

6. A mandrel for boxes having half cover members having longitudinal reinforcing cover anges extending into the interior of the box, the mandrel comprising a body portion generally conforming to the interior of the box and divided into two substantially equal parts longitudnally spaced nto :define a void `to receive ithe longitudinal cover reinforcing anges, `an anvil resiliently connected to `,one of the equal longitudinal mandrel parts, the anvil ,member being centrally, longitudinally disposed within `the `mandrel void, the mandrel body parts being laterally and resiliently mounted so that the mandrel body parts may be deflected temporarily inwardly with the margins firmly contacting and immovably supporting the cover reinforcing anges.

7. The invention set forth and claimed in claim 6 wherein the anvil member is resiliently connected to both of the longitudinal, equal mandrel parts.

8. Theinvention set forth and claimed in claim 7 wherein a transverse locking means is provided to releasably maintain the mandrel body halves in an inwardly deeeted position to firmly engage and contact the cover reinforcing flanges.

9. The invention set forth and claimed in claim 8 wherein the anvil member comprises an upstanding anvil platewith laterally disposed horizontal openings through the lower portion thereof adjacent its end margins, the openings slidably receiving transverse members extending between adjacent portions of the longitudinal equal mandrel parts, and resilient spring devices disposed intermedi ate the .anvil parts and the adjacent longitudinal equal mandrel parts.

References Cited in the lile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

